ABSTRACT

When a scientist selects an area in which to research or a question to explore, values are inextricably involved. Whether an inquiry is motivated by an internal value of importance to the scientist, such as curiosity or perceived usefulness, or by some external value, such as the prospect of receiving better funding or publishing opportunities, this initial decision involves values. From there, the choice of research methods also involves values, such as positive psychology’s preference for quantitative and humanistic psychology’s preference for qualitative methods (Friedman, 2008). Likewise, how findings are analyzed, interpreted, and applied also follow values.